Wovenwar Guitarist Phil Sgrosso Exits the Band

Wovenwar are getting ready to release their sophomore set, Honor Is Dead, on Oct. 21, but guitarist Phil Sgrosso, who did contribute significantly to the disc, will not be around for the touring support of the effort. Sgrosso has announced his exit from the band, with plans to pursue other musical endeavors.

The guitarist says he found that his other projects were taking more of his attention and he wanted to devote himself to them. However, he adds that he is proud to have been part of the Honor Is Dead album and wishes the band well as they move forward without him. His full statement can be read below:

As some of you may have heard by now, I have decided to part ways with Wovenwar. Without getting into too many specifics, I have found myself more interested in pursuing other musical endeavors right now than devoting myself to the band.Regarding the new album, I was fully involved with the writing and recording process just like any other album, as well as handling a larger portion of the producer duties and guitar engineering. I am proud to have this album as part of my discography and thankful to have had this time to push myself and explore new musical territory. I wish the band the best as they move on.The rest of my year will be spent writing for several different projects as well as taking Poison Headache over to Europe for the first time with Ringworm and HIEROPHANT in Nov/Dec. Thanks to the fans for their support over the years—looking forward to seeing you out on the road soon.

Meanwhile, Wovenwar's Facebook page added a brief statement of their own which read, "It's been a very memorable ride Phil. We wish you the best and look forward to seeing your creativity flourish in other endeavors."

Sgrosso's history with his bandmates pre-dates Wovenwar, with him being a longtime member of As I Lay Dying. He started with the band when he was just 17-year-old and recorded six albums with the band. Singer Tim Lambesis' arrest and conviction on murder-for-hire charges led the remaining As I Lay Dying members to start fresh under the name Wovenwar with new vocalist Shane Blay, and they released their self-titled debut disc in 2014.